T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli ignored as Ambati Rayudu, Matthew Hayden and other experts pick India's X-Factor

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu made a bold prediction about the X factor for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). Ambati Rayudu overlooked Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Kuldeep Yadav from his picks for the ICC tournament in June.

The Indian cricket team is currently in the United States of America for the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup. The Men in Blue haven't secured another title since winning the inaugural tournament in 2007 in South Africa. The Indian team reached the final only once in the next seven editions of the T20 World Cup.

India boasts a balanced mix of youth and experience in their squad, which could propel them to victory in the upcoming World Cup. The Indian team last clinched an ICC trophy in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The Rohit Sharma-led team aims to end the ICC trophy drought by securing their second T20 World Cup.

Jasprit Bumrah Will Be The X Factor - Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu picked Shivam Dube and Jasprit Bumrah as the X factors for Team India in the T20 World Cup. Rayudu suggested that Dube could be crucial in batting, especially in slow and turning conditions, while Bumrah could play a pivotal role in bowling.

"In terms of batting, if the conditions are slow and the ball is turning, you never know, Shivam Dube might be that X factor. In terms of bowling, I feel Jasprit Bumrah will be the X factor for the Indian team," Ambati Rayudu said.

Jasprit Bumrah was the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024, securing 20 wickets in 13 innings at an average of 16.80 and an impressive economy rate of 6.48. Bumrah has played 10 T20 World Cup matches and secured 11 wickets at an average of 22.55. He missed the previous edition due to a back injury.

He's A Difficult Player To Get A Hold Of - Paul Collingwood

Former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood picked Jasprit Bumrah as the X factor in any team due to his exceptional bowling skills and accuracy. Collingwood stated that Bumrah is a difficult bowler to play in cricket.

"I would say the X Factor, the number one player that every single team would have in their side, is Jasprit Bumrah. I think he is phenomenal in terms of his deception. I think the pace that he bowls is unique, but his accuracy is something else. He's a difficult player to get a hold of," Paul Collingwood said.

Matthew Hayden and Brian Lara named their respective X-factors for Team India in the T20 World Cup. Hayden chose Yashasvi Jaiswal, considering his ability to score at the top order. Lara selected Suryakumar Yadav, emphasizing his aggressive batting style as a key factor for India's success in the tournament. Notably, Suryakumar Yadav is the no.1 ranked T20I batter in the world at the moment.

Also read: Sandeep Lamichhane ruled out of T20 World Cup 2024 as his US Visa gets rejected again